Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my unfortunate encounter at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I discovered behind its threshold was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Disregarded
From the moment I entered , it was evident that sanitation was not a priority at this establishment . The surfaces were tacky , and a overpowering stench of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets polluted the entire pub. With a smell of a mixture of ammonia , decay and illness . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and refuse that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a cracked flush mechanism and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported spotting critters darting across the bar area and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the safety of their products .
Management’s Behavior : Allegations of Unethical Conduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is tarnished by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I observed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of distributing inappropriate review mastersons bar messages . Described as disturbingly assertive and disrespectful , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an hostile atmosphere for women who patronize Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a unsettling figure than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, here Gillian McKenzie , is a co-manager and frequently seen managing operations . Instead of taking action to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Such tacit approval adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at Masterson’s .